BCCI clarifies that cricketers collaborating in PoK league can’t play in India

A day after former South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs accused the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) of stopping his participation within the Kashmir Premier League (KPL), the Indian cricketing physique has clarified its place on the controversy. Gibbs had alleged that BCCI had threatened him that he is not going to be permitted to enter India for any cricket-related work sooner or later if he participated within the cricket league in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
While talking concerning the matter to Indian Express, a BCCI official emphasised, “While asking the boards not to allow their players to take part in the Kashmir league, we have informed them that in case they do, they can’t be part of any cricketing activity in India. We have done this keeping national interest in mind…We have no problems with those playing the Pakistan Super League (PSL) but this is a league in PoK. We are toeing our government’s line.”
Following the controversy, the Pakistani Cricket Board (PCB) accused the Indian cricketing Board of bringing disrepute to the ‘gentleman’s recreation.’ While threatening to take the matter up with the International Cricket Council (ICC), it mentioned, “The PCB considers that the BCCI has brought the game into disrepute by issuing warnings to multiple ICC Members to stop their retired cricketers from featuring in the Kashmir Premier League, further threatening they will not be allowed entry into India for cricket-related work.”
BCCI’s stance is an extension of Indian authorities’s coverage
It added, “Such conduct from the BCCI is completely unacceptable, against the preamble of the Spirit of Cricket, and sets a dangerous precedent, which can neither be tolerated nor ignored.” While responding to the allegations by PCB, a BCCI official clarified that the Indian cricketing board is just not involved concerning the Pakistan Cricket Board’s assertion. “We are not bothered about what statement PCB is putting out. We are mindful of Indian cricket and India.”
It have to be talked about that PoK is an integral a part of India. Given that the Pakistani authorities had determined to host a cricketing League in India’s territory, the BCCI has informally communicated to all cricket Boards concerning the consequence of collaborating in KPL. It emphasised that its stance is an extension of the coverage of the Indian authorities. The faceoff between the 2 cricketing Boards comes simply earlier than the International T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin from October 17 this yr.
Pakistani cricketers, politicians cry foul over BCCI’s stand for India
In a tweet, Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi mentioned, “Really disappointing that BCCI is once again mixing cricket and politics! KPL is a league for Kashmir, Pakistan, and cricket fans around the world. We will put up a wonderful show and won’t be deterred with such behaviour!!”
Really disappointing that BCCI is as soon as once more mixing cricket and politics! KPL is a league for Kashmir, Pakistan and cricket followers world wide. We will put up a beautiful present and received’t be deterred with such behaviour!! https://t.co/J9XcbEeUF6— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) July 31, 2021
Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted in Urdu, “This is not the first time that Modi’s government has sacrificed cricket for its nefarious politics. The pressure on Herschelle Gibbs not to participate in the Kashmir League is a continuation of this old practice. We strongly condemn these measures. There will be no harm, only benefit.”
Screengrab of the Twitter submit by Fawad Chowdhury
Earlier, Rashid Latif, a former Pakistani cricketer, had made comparable allegations. He mentioned on Friday that the BCCI had warned that if former cricketers take part within the cricket league in Pakistan, then they won’t be permitted to work in India in any capability. The Kashmir Premier League was conceived by Pakistani politician Shehryar Khan Afridi. It could have six groups, Overseas Warriors, Muzaffarabad Tigers, Rawalakot Hawks, Bagh Stallions, Mirpur Royals and Kotli Lions. The groups could have 5 gamers from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir every. The matches are to be performed in Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium from August 6 onwards. Wasim Akram is KPL’s Vice- President whereas Shahid Afridi has been appointed because the occasion’s model ambassador.